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The Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Who is eligible?

Applicant must have been admitted to Cambridge University through the University's normal application procedures. Candidates are usually under 30 years old. Open to citizens of any country outside of the United Kingdom

When is the Deadline?

Campus Deadline: Early SeptemberGates Deadline: Early October

Description

This program hopes to create a network of future leaders from around the world who will bring new vision and commitment to improving the circumstances of citizens in their respective countries. Provides support for one-year postgraduate course of studies, for a two-year research-based masters degree, or for a three-year research based PhD.

How Do I Apply?

Applicants for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship must apply to the University of Cambridge in the normal way and also submit the Cambridge Trusts Scholarship Application form.

Essay(s):

Some faculty and departments ask a writing sample so they can make an assessment of your knowledge and the level at which you are working. In addition, the approximately 500-word Gate Cambridge Statement "is used by the Gates Cambridge Shortlisting Committees to distinguish between candidates who have been highly ranked by departments on academic grounds. It helps the Committees identify those candidates who, as well as being academically outstanding, possess a capacity for leadership and commitment to improving the lives of others. Note that this is the only part of the application form where you are asked about your 'fit' with Gates Cambridge."

What happens after I submit an application?

The Gates Cambridge Trust will draw up a shortlist of applicants to be invited to interview, and also takes advice from the various academic committees at Cambridge about the relative merits of the different applications.

What's next?

Candidates accepted for admission at Cambridge and awarded the Gates Scholarship take up residence at the University following the schedule for normal matriculants. Applicants who are declined scholarships are automatically considered for a part-cost award from other Cambridge Trusts.

In October 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Fund of Seattle, Washington, USA announced a donation to the University of Cambridge of $210 million to establish the Gates Cambridge Trust.

This benefaction creates in perpetuity an international scholarship program to enable outstanding graduate students from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge. The Trustees are required to award scholarships on the basis of a person's intellectual ability, leadership capacity and desire to use their knowledge to contribute to society throughout the world by providing service to their communities and applying their talents and knowledge to improve the lives of others. Each year, approximately 100 new Gates Scholars are elected.